During all this conference realignment and expansion talk, there have been more than a fair share of rumors about the SEC swooping in and poaching any number of ACC teams. The list of ACC flight risks includes Virginia Tech, Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech. Officials from two of the these schools came out with strong statements reaffirming their commitment to the conference, at least for now.
From Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver:
"We are very happy where we are," athletic director Jim Weaver said Thursday. "We're in the right place for Virginia Tech because we're in the footprint of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
At this point in time we're not even thinking about [the SEC]."
And from Miami AD Kirby Hocutt, when asked whether he would entertain joining another conference:
"No. No. The Atlantic Coast Conference is our home, Jorge, it makes all the sense in the world for us. We focus each and every day on hoisting that ACC championship and positioning us to compete for national championships. The ACC is our home and that's where we're going to be. We're excited about the future growth."
Hocutt further goes on to say that the ACC is the best competitive and cultural fit for Miami and takes a jab at Florida for not agreeing to play them in football.
Both ADs are saying all the right things, and while things could change on a dime, I think both Weaver and Hocutt's words are strong enough to at least temporarily stave off any spurious SEC expansion rumors involving these two ACC programs.
Catching you up on other expansion news and notes:
- The Omaha World-Herald is reporting that Nebraska has officially accepted an invitation to join the Big Ten.
- With their invitation to the Big Ten seemingly lost in the mail, Missouri has reaffirmed their commitment to the Big 12.
- Oklahoma State is also standing by the Big 12, and prefers to follow Texas' lead. Oklahoma will also go wherever Texas goes.
- It might just so happen that Texas and Texas A&M go their separate ways in the expansion land grab, with A&M landing in the SEC and Texas moving to the Pac Something.
- If you haven't noticed a theme already, all eyes are on Texas. The Texas Board of Regents will meet on Tuesday to decide whether they'll make a go of it in the Big 12 or switch to another conference.
- Tony Barnhardt believes Texas will have to listen to an SEC sales pitch. I just don't see Texas joining the SEC. I think their options are now standing pat or moving to the Pac Something.
- ESPN looks at why Texas won't stay with the Big 12 and just invite some new friends. I think what's missing from this article is a discussion about Texas staying in the Big 12 and creating their own TV network. Also, even with the loss of Nebraska and Colorado, I think the Big 12 still commands a higher TV payout given the time that has elapsed between the last deal and next year's renegotiations.
- Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and Baylor ... still screwed.
- Boise State has accepted an invite to join the Mountain West. The Broncos become the conference's 10th team and will begin play in 2011.